Title: A Natural Polysaccharide for Personal Care

Lonza Inc.'s Personal Care Business Unit has introduced a natural polysaccharide, designed to enhance skin care actives. LaraCare A200 (INCI: Galactoarabinan) is a natural, mild and water soluble polymer which reportedly enhances emulsion stability, reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and provides moisture control in formulations. The company also reports that the polymer promotes AHA exfoliation on skin, can improve the appearance of superficial fine lines in skin, provides film forming and skin tightening, improves the uniformity and spreadability of a formulation and provides SPF enhancement.

The ingredient is derived from Larch trees harvested in North America. It is a cosmetic skin care ingredient obtained through the company's recent acquisition of Larex Inc.'s Larch Arabinogalactan business.

Galactoarabinan is a polymer linked with sugar units consisting of galactose and arabinose in the ratio of 6:1 respectively. LaraCare A200 reportedly displays a synthetic-like consistency, characterized in part by its narrowly peaked molecular weight distribution and high intrinsic purity. The company claims the ingredient benefits personal care applications and imparts multi-functionality to water-based systems. To obtain more information, visit Lonza's website.